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CSILLA

Csilla is the homeworld of the mysterious and reclusive Chiss and capital world of the Chiss Ascendancy. Csilla is a cold world of glaciers and snowy wastes located deep within Chiss Space, in the Unknown Regions of the galaxy. Glaciers cover the normally warm equatorial regions of the planet, while solid ice locked the poles in perpetual winter. In order to survive, the Chiss had to build energy-efficient warrens beneath the ice, as close to the geothermal warmth of the planet as possible. Underground travel routes connect the various underground sections of Csilla. The iceways were bored through the bedrock of the planet, so that they were unaffected by the shifting ice found on the planet's surface. Specialized carriages moved passengers and cargo through the tunnels.

{Further information on this planet has been erased for reasons unspecified by the Library Administrator, any questions are to be left with base Security Council. *This note has been provided by the Tadath Data Ministry, and the time(s) and date(s) of file access have been logged.}

*     *     *     *

"You can't be serious, sir, I don't even know what I'm working with!" The Sergeant's concern shook the room around him, his eyes glancing about the random data terminals situated in their respective wall placements. An eerie green glow emanated from their screens, providing the only light in the void that was Intelligence Sub-Division Six, a department located twenty-five stories belowground.

The Division-head was anything but patient, thinking his arguements were really quite reasonable. The seasoned soldier in the chair opposite his simply knew that the seclusion and low-exposure their area was left with completely disabled the ability to interact without an incident like this. These people had nothing but themselves, stimulants, and the reassuring patter of fingers; flying across keyboards at unbelievable speeds.

"No... it is you who are lacking in this simple comprehension. You have your mission, your troopers have been trained to all extents. You will indeed carry out this assignment. Granted, it is of supreme importance for such new beginnings, but you wouldn't have been referred to specialty conversion if we hadn't had something in mind."

"That's all good and well, sir, but with all respect due," He paused, rolling his eyes into the cover of darkness. Although, he did have a strange feeling that everything in this mechanical place leered back at his presence with disgust, "This is insanity. I haven't even drilled 'em at this point. No training under my watch has been issued, and some of them are right out of the Academy. I didn't agree to return service for some shit like this."

Silence blanketed the room. All attention was turned to their conversation, with the silohuettes at the terminals casting shadows as they swiveled about.

"I understand your concern..." The intelligence guru added, as softly as possible, "But, this is a matter of extreme importance. We have been trusted to find a suitable unit to carry this out, and you have been chosen. Your record in the Imperial services is impressive enough to speak at a seventy-five percent chance of success, the highest we calculated. Know that all scenarios have been accounted for, and simulations have been run..."

His next words came swiftly:

"You have twenty-four hours to prepare and gather in Hangar Nineteen, one of our operatives will be waiting for briefing. I wish you good luck."

Jakireth rose, nodding slightly in his attempt to suppress his anger, he grunted through closed teeth.

"And Sergeant..." The officer chimed before the squad leader could make his exit;

"Congratulations. Paladin is now under your command."

*     *     *     *

"Oh, sing it, Jak." Corporal Darien chirped from the shower stall opposite his.

"Ew," Jakireth noted, finishing a verse, "I find it extremely awkward that you take the chance to talk to me while I'm cleaning myself, when we haven't conversed in a week. But yes, I'm soulful."

The soldier's long-time friend cackled endlessly, attempting to redeem himself, "Hey! I'm just admiring your natural talent. Not to mention, I have a girlfriend. No offense to you."

"None taken, you ass." Jakireth said between laughs as he stepped out, wrapping himself in a towel and walking out into the barrack's hallway. He had forgotten to bring a change of clothes into the lockerroom.

He had taken approximately ten steps when he was poked in the back.

"Sir," said a mildly ecstatic trooper holding several papers in his hands, "It's nice to see you again, its LCPL Selldar..." He hesitated, noticing the confusion in his SLs face, "Well...I did get a haircut..."

The Sergeant turned, noticing a full squad compliment behind the Lance Corporal.

"Uhhhhh," Jakireth stuttered, "I'm... let me go get dressed." He felt particularly embarrassed, especially noticing two females in the group. "If you haven't figured it out, I have a towel on."

He spun on his slightly moist heels to move towards his quarters,
stopping for a moment.

"All of you, Storm briefing room in fifteen."

*     *     *     *

"A mission? I'm all for it, sir." Lance Corporal Alan nodded approvingly. The rest of the mostly eager group seemed to agree. At least they had the mindset.

Kantar didn't understand the look upon his squad leaders face:

"Is there something we don't know about, sir?"

"Indeed there is, trooper. Take a seat, you guys can too," He said, motioning to the rooms swivel chairs. "We'll go textbook assignment briefing, so bear with me... One hour ago I was notified by Army intelligence of a matter in great need of resolving, and mainly for its probability of escalation. The obscure planet of Csilla, a block of ice in the Unknown Regions, plays host to a reclusive race and the high order that governs the satellites citizens. They have made a recent discovery which has us on edge."

It was now that the majority of troopers were stirring in their seats.

"And that is?" Asked PFC Finch.

"Anyone hear of the Krytos Virus?" The Sergeant inquired somberly.

It was the second time in one day where an entire group of people ceased emitting noise completely.

"Apparantly, a secondary control lab was erected to prevent loss of the carrier plague if it was eradicated. The Chiss located it after detecting a dry sonar pocket in their search for more stable tunnel construction. Our problem, however, is that the word has gotten out somehow. The Chiss Ascendancy is reviewing their personnel, but they doubt they'll find a spy. However it happened, random factions have received the information. If someone of considerable strength acts on the planet, they might not be able to stop them."

The assignment purpose still didn't seem clear to the newly placed troopers, Jakireth could see it as he walked about the room, glancing at their eyes.

"The reason we have been called to action is to retrieve said viral components and deliver them to a waiting orbital envoy that will arrive upon our notifying them of success. We will then be transported back to Tadath... Of course, this is the plan as was read to me by a crackpot intelligence dumbass that can only work with numbers and probabilities. Chances are we are running into an all out battle between several other caravans with the same ideas. Not to mention, the Chiss aren't necessarily thrilled over losing this equipment and it's respective bacterial load. We might receive resistance from a few of them as well."

The room still remained cloaked in dead silence. No one moved, no one commented. The threat the failure of this mission posed wasn't even conceivable. And if the virus has been successfully kept dormant in the ice that was Csilla, the genomes could be reactivated and altered to create a new plague.

"Now, this may all seem like alot... And if you think it isn't, please raise your hand. You aren't mentally compatible for the needs of this assignment. But if we get in, get it done, and get out, I'll lobby for our own squad scrapbook, booking the hell out of these memories. Aye?" He was met with a few nods, fewer smiles, and even more widespread silence.

"We have roughly twenty-one hours to be geared and ready for dispatch in Hangar Nineteen, please see the platoon medical unit for the necessary antibody injections, and equipment. You'll also find your squad equipment in the Ready-room."

His team stood and motioned for the now sliding door; light casting in on the blue and purple combination needed for some briefing material to be read.

"And by the way... I suggest that no one eat a hearty meal before we leave, you'll understand why at the hangar."

-Paladin-
Army of the Vast Empire
------------------------
SL/SGT Jakireth/3SQD/2PLT/1CMP/1RGT/1BAT/Tadath/VEA[LoR]
Rep/Reporter Jakireth/NewsRep: 2/News Division/VET/VE

Tanus walked out of the room and headed to the medic. A nurse, quite pretty, came by with a smile on her face.
"And how are you doing today, sir."

A smile crossed Tanus' face. "Great. Just aching to get stuck full of needles, ma'am."

After 30 minutes of fifteen injections, Tanus walked out, rubbing his arm that had seemingly become a pin cushion. He went back to his room and grabbed his knife and pistol, along with his new toys: an 8-guage shotgun and a Corellian Power Suit. He put on the suit and walked out to the hallway, where he saw Alan passing by him. He saluted as Alan walked by. Alan merely smiled.

"No need for that, soldier. How's your leg?"

Tanus had nearly forgotten; on a previous mission, he had been shot in the leg by a New Republic soldier on Nkllon. His mind went back to that mission, and all the death he caused and saw that day. Tanus came to seconds later.

"It's doing fine, sir. Don't worry. It won't slow us down."

Alan slapped Tanus on the back. "Good to hear it," he said. "Oh, and head to the ready-room. We'll be going over equipment in a little bit." Tanus turned on his heel and headed to the ready-room for his equipment briefing.
 
-----------------------
TRP/PFC Tanus Solvona /3SQD/2PLT/1CMP/1RGT/1BAT/Tadath/VEA
-Paladin-

It seemed like an eternity but the starship finally docked on platform 54.  Alan got up and with the rest of the squad started to head out.  He thought back to the carnage and bloodshed that Nkllon had presented.  When the mission had started he figured that it was going to be a fairly uncomplicated matter with little bloodshed but it had been some time since he had last been in a battle of that magnitude.  He looked over at Tanus and watched him hobbling off the ship.  It is a good day when no-one dies he thought to himself.  Alan was about to head back to his accommodation on the orbital platform when he heard Sergeant Jakireth calling him.

"Sir?" queried Alan.

"Follow me, I need to speak to you" replied Jakireth

Alan followed Jakireth back to his office.

"Sit down Corporal" said Jakireth,

Alan collapsed more than sat down.  He was looking forward to clambering into his quarters.

"I realise that you've just come back from a gruelling mission and that I'm sure you will want to get some rest so I'll keep this brief.  You handled yourself well in combat and you work well with the squad.  With this in mind I have decided to appoint you as the new Assistant Squad Leader".

Alan sat up with startled eyes, "thank you Sir, I won't let you".

Jakireth smiled and said "be sure that you don't Corporal.  Dismissed, get some rest, you never know when we may be called into action.

"Yes sir" replied Alan as he saluted on his way out and proceeded to head back to his quarters.  It was not long before he found himself with the rest of the squad in the briefing room.  He was glad of the rest but now sat listening to the new mission with anticipation.  When Jakireth mentioned it was the Krytos virus they were after his face dropped.  He had seen people die from the virus and it was definitely not the way to go.

After the briefing was over, Alan wandered down the corridor gathering his thoughts about the upcoming mission.  On his travels, he drifted past the canteen.  Immediately his nostrils were assaulted with a delicious smell and his stomach grumbled.  Why the hell did he have to say about not eating a hearty meal thought Alan.  His stomach grumbled again and he quietly said "not now" to it. 

A private was walking past and suddenly stopped, looked at him and asked "sir?". 

"As you were private" replied Alan and moved on.

Alan knew what would settle down his grumbling stomach, a visit to the medics.  He hated needles, he would rather face a platoon of enemy soldiers alone than visit the medics but he knew that it had to be done.  En-route to the medical wing he spotted Tanus.  Tanus saluted to him, a smile crossed his face slightly as he thought to himself it will take me some time to get used to this.

"No need for that soldier" said Alan as he enquired about Tanus's leg.  Alan was happy to see that Tanus was in good spirits and that he was recovering nicely after his injury from Nkllon.  Telling Tanus to head over to the ready room, Alan proceeded to the medical wing.  He was met with a rather attractive nurse who proceeded to give him fifteen injections.  Walking slowly away feeling like a pin cushion, he proceeded to the ready room to meet up with the rest of the squad and find out what equipment they would be using for the mission.

 
-----------------------
TRP/LCPL AlanRJ/3SQD/2PLT/1CMP/1RGT/1BAT/Tadath/VEA

-Paladin-
Army of the Vast Empire

Kantar had just finished packing his bags when he heard two voices in the hallway. Grabbign his bag and rifle case, he stepped out in the hallway, the boots of his armor clicking loudly on the floor, something he did on purpose this time.

Luckystar and Finch both turned around, with Luckystar being the one who spoke, "Good afternoon Corporal, nice day isn't it, we're all set for the shuttle ride."

"I'll be good as long as neither of you two vomit on me", Kantar retorted, "especially you Luckystar, remember what Seargent Jakireth said, 'I suggest that no one eat a hearty meal before we leave, you'll understand why at the hangar'. When you vomit during the ride, somehow 'I told you so" just won't cut it. Carry on."

Kantar didn't even give either Finch or Luckystar a chance to respond, he simply walked off, and headed toward the ready room.

Upon entering the ready room, Kantar smirked, noticing that he was once again the first one here, save for the random technician milling about. Kantar took his typical seat in the back of the ready room, dropping his bag next to his seat, and propping his rifle case up against the wall, and plopping himself down into the seat, waiting for the rest of the squad to arrive.

-----------------------
-Paladin-
TRP/LCPL Kantar Seldar/3SQD/2PLT/1CMP/1RGT/1BAT/Tadath/VEA


It's a Good Day to die in the Empire's name, but it's also a better day to kill in the name of the Empire.

Lucky waved and smiled at him. tanus was a nice guy. "Hey, I'm glad we got this mission. I don't know why. But I'm just glad. She went to sit near Tanus, Finch followed her a few seconds later. She had a good bag with her. It was sturdy, to carry all her equipment without breaking. And it had a lot of space, so that she could fit everything in without difficulty.  She opened it up and started taking out her equipment. Finch sat down beside her and did the same.

In her bag was a 20-round rifle, sensors that she would later hook up to her armor, her white cane that she used both as a disguise and in some situations for real. She was glad she could bring it along. She also had a pistol, wich she holstered in a concealed shoulder holster and a laser blaster with laser-sight and a scope. It was kind of like a sniper rifle.

She then took out a switchknife  from a special compartment in her boot and inspected it for any anomalies, rust and checked its bluntness. She then sharpened it using a knife-sharpening kit she had gotten for her birthday once. She polished the knife to a mirror shine. * i could probably blind my adversaries if light catches it* she thought.  She strapped on some reflectors and some sensors that would capt vibration to faint for her to feel in her feet while in her thick armor.

She heard a faint clicking and swishing sound. She looked at the door to see the rest of her squad enter the room.
 
-----------------------
TRP/PFC Luckystar/1SQD/2PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/ Tadath/VEAVE

b>-Paladin-

The door slid open and Alan walked in surveying the room.  Most of the squad had already assembled by this point and were gearing up.  Alan noticed his friend Kantar talking to Lucky and Finch.  The look on his face made Alan curious.  Alan watched as Lucky and Finch moved off to get ready.  Alan walked over to Kantar.

"What was that all about?" he queried.

Kantar looked up at him "Oh nothing, seems like a few of the privates decided to have some food before the mission"

The very mention of food set off Alan's stomach again and Kantar chuckled slightly, "I can tell you didn't have any food then"

Alan frowned slightly then smiled before he said "you're sitting beside them for that comment"

"Oh hell no" replied Kantar.  They both looked at each other and at the same time said "Jak" and laughed wholeheartedly.

Alan looked around at the room and at the squad.  "It's a good squad" he said.

"The best" replied Kantar.

Alan's gaze moved over to Tanus as he watched the private massage his injured leg.  "Do me a favour Kantar, keep your eyes on Tanus, I'm sure he's fine but the kid's tough and he's not going to say anything if his leg starts to bother him".

"Sure thing" replied Kantar.

"Thanks" replied Alan as he moved off and started walking round the room making sure everyone was getting suitably geared up.  Although the squad name of Nightstalkers had been shelved and the new name of Paladin given to the squad, Alan still wore the black armour.  Reaching under his armour, he retrieved his trusty blaster pistol making sure it was in good working condition.  He proceeded to check the remainder of his weaponry.

Where the devil is Jakireth thought Alan as he waited for the mission to get underway.

 
-----------------------
TRP/LCPL AlanRJ/3SQD/2PLT/1CMP/1RGT/1BAT/Tadath/VEA

-Paladin-
Army of the Vast Empire

Lucky looked at the bay opening. The doors were shut, but she could just imagine what was beyond those doors. Just as weel, She thought. *It's a good thing I didn't eat since last night. *
Unlike the last mission  she went on. This one made her very nervous .She had butterflies in her stomach. She looked at her squadmates. Every one looked either deep in thought or like a nervous wreck.

She felt good surrounded by her squad. She had all her friends with her. And she was surrounded by people she knew and trusted. Something beeped on her suit. She looked doen and saw that the disgnostics check was finished. She was relieved when she noticed that there were no glitches and nothing was missing.

She looked over at Finch who was silent, and looked either stressed or deep in thought.  "Corporal", she called. He turned around in his seat and said "Yes, Private?"  "Are we leaving soon/ I can't wait to start. " "yes" he replied, no emotions were audible in his voice. She looked around the ship. The Scythe was a vast and weel equiped warship. She could withstand hits from any type of enemy ship for quite awhile. Before damage would start showing on her hull. She had at least a dozen layers of thick, heavy Titanium-A armour. Lucky sat back in her seat and waited for the ship to launch with growing anticipation.



 
-----------------------
TRP/PFC Luckystar/1SQD/2PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/ Tadath/VEAVE

b>-Paladin-

Lion Heart walked along the corridors with his back to the briefing room. He was going on yet another mission with the group of people that he have come to accept as friends and squad mates. He knew more of them already. Everyone except one person, their new SL. Lion knew it was his duty to trust his officers, but past experience taught him to not trust someone simply because he was told to.

He went to the medical bays, much to his distaste for the area, to get his shots. Unlike his fellow human mates, Lion has thicker skin, the nurse had a hard time getting the shots done. But he finally got them done after an hour and twenty bent needles. Afterward, he went to his barracks and packed for the trip.

On his way to the waiting rooms where they're to await their new orders, he grabbed a quick bite and some blue milk. I knew he was told to not eat a hearty meal, but he doesn't consider it a meal, it was more of a snack to him. Besides, he knew he could hold the food down even if they did a million flips for whatever reason, or had to fight in a non-gravitation space. Either way, there was just no way for him to go into a mission on an empty stomach.

When it was time to go, Lion was already in his gears, except the helmet. With the rifles in arm, Lion walked up the ramps to the ship, and found himself a nice corner to rest while they're en route to their destination.

 
-----------------------
-Paladin-
Anji "Lion Heart" Greenwood
TRP/PFC Lion Heart/1SQD/2PLT/1CMP/1RGT/1BAT/Tadath/VEA

Alan was beginning to think that Jakireth was never going to show when the hangar doors opened and in he strode.

"Let's mount up people" he said.

It's ShowTime thought Alan as he said "you heard the man, let's move it people".  Jakireth got ready and marched onboard the Scythe.  Alan watched the rest of the squad suit up and get onboard.  Following them inside the ship, he pressed the door button and the door slid closed and the ship slowly lifted off and departed.

Once onboard and the ship had departed the hangar bay, Alan took time to familiarise himself with the ship's layout, you never knew when knowing where everything is could come in handy.  One particular part of the ship that amused Alan was the drop ship suspended over the ships cargo bay.  I wonder what poor sap they persuaded to get into that thing he thought as he moved out of the cargo bay.  Alan proceeded to find Jakireth, thinking to himself I'd better go see Jakireth and find out more about this mission.

"Are you kidding me?" said Alan to Jakireth when he found out that the drop ship was actually going to be used by them.  Jakireth explained the plan to him about how they would arrive at the planet.  Great thought Alan just what I always wanted to do.

Alan started pacing the ship again, watching his fellow squad mates relax.  Lucky and Finch run past him.  Damn they're fast he thought as he watched them disappear round the bend in the ship.  Entering a different section of the ship, Alan noticed Tanus playing with a deck of cards.

"Can I tempt you with a game of pazaak?" queried Tanus.

Alan smirked and before anyone had a chance to blink Alan had sat down and got out his own deck of cards and they began playing.  Alan was never good at being very patient but he suddenly realised that the time was flying past during the game.  He glanced down at his chrono and realised that there was only one hour before the drop, his mind reeled back to the sight of the drop ship and he was reminded how happy he was that he did not eat a big meal, despite his stomach telling him otherwise.

"We have an hour before drop kid, better get ready" said Alan as he stood up and started to leave.  He glanced back and watched as Tanus immediately got up and started going through his weapons.

Walking into the main compartment of the ship, Alan saw most of the squad, Lucky and Finch were still running but were now running laps around the main compartment.

"Listen up people" said Alan.  Lucky and Finch stopped running and looked over at him, he could feel the rest of the squad's eyes on him.  "We have an hour before we drop to the surface so let's get busy".  As soon as his last word was uttered he watched the squad spring to action and proceed to get ready for action.  He smiled as he took in just how professional and efficient the Paladin squad was in the Vast Army.



 
-----------------------
TRP/LCPL AlanRJ/3SQD/2PLT/1CMP/1RGT/1BAT/Tadath/VEA

-Paladin-
Army of the Vast Empire

Alan stared at the drop ship whilst his fellow squad members got ready.  Oh yeah thought Alan this is going to be fun  He hadn't heard Kantar come up beside him.  They chatted briefly and Alan got the distinct impression that Kantar was really looking forward to the drop as he said "I can't wait to ride this thing, it's gonna be great".  Kantar lightly punched Alan on the arm, then leaning in close, speaking quietly, "Right....Sarge?"

Alan smiled when he said that.  Thinking back, he remembered when Jakireth had called Kantar, Luckystar, Tanus and himself over and announced that he had just received word from Command and that they had all been promoted.  He was glad that his friend Kantar was now a full Corporal and that Luckystar and Tanus had been promoted to Lance Corporals, he remembered back to Nkllon and how well they had fared in a hell raising fire fight.  What surprised him the most was that he had been given a double promotion.  He knew it had been some time since his last promotion but to be made up to the rank of Sergeant was indeed quite an honour.  He was also happy to hear that Jakireth had also been given a double promotion to Gunnery Sergeant, if anyone deserved it, he knew that it was Jak.

"All right people, time to get busy" said Jakireth as the doors opened on the drop ship.  Alan glanced over his shoulder as the door clanged down on the Scythe's deck.  He gulped slightly as he realised this was it damn I hate drop ships he thought.

"All right people, you heard him, let's get it on, move, move, move" said Alan as he watched his squad start to file into the ship.  He entered the ship last, hoping it was going to be a short ride.  The door closed tightly as soon as he was onboard, sitting down all he could hear was Kantar saying "let's go, let's go".

 
-----------------------
TRP/LCPL AlanRJ/3SQD/2PLT/1CMP/1RGT/1BAT/Tadath/VEA

-Paladin-
Army of the Vast Empire

Lucky was confused at what she was seeing. She then realised that theses men must be part of a special guard to keep the whereabouts of the virus secret. She leveled her weapon and moved a little in front of Finch and Shado to give them a little cover.  She opened a private ComLink to Finch and Shado. "Finch, Shado, can you guys cover my sides? I'll cover you up front. Keep your weapons leveled and keep them pumped full of ammo just in case."

They both nodded and loked about them. Everyone was looking at the eight men in front of them with a lot of interest. Lucky brought up a connection to the planet's government files. She took a picture of the nearest man and used software that identifies the person by its picture.  While she waited , she alertly scanned her surroundings. 

Where they were, the clouds were a purlish blue in the middle and grey on their tops and bottoms. She saw no one other than the group of men in the area. She wondered what their purpose was here. She heard a beep in her helmet and looked at the display screen where the search had just finished for the men's identities. No names could be seen on the files. But she noted that it was marked that he was a pirate. 
Hmm....What are they doing here?  She stared at the nearest man who had a remarkably long and deep scar on his face.
 
-----------------------
LCPL Luckystar/1SQD/2PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/ Tadath/VEAVE

-Paladin-

"Shado, you are right, we are outnumbered. But not by much."
"Keep your weapons drawn and aimed at them, do not holster them." For "putting away" their weapons would mean surrendering in the face of a challenge.  If that was the case they would probably be taken to the men's homebase. Or killed on the spot.  "What we need is some sort of distraction or a way to eliminate at least half of their group to give us the advantage."

She opened a private ComLink to Jakireth. "Jak, sir. Shado made a good point that we are outnumbered. What should we do?" " Personally , I think a way to distract or eliminate some of them would be a good start."

"Lucky, you are a quick thinker, and I like your idea. We could call for reinforcements but we would bring too much attention to ourselves. And we aren't that greatly outnumbered." "I'll leave it up to you to find a way to distract them. I'll make sure a few people provide discreet cover for you. "

"Thank you, Sarge." 'Don't mention it. Now get moving!"

Lucky relayed the conversation she had had with Jakireth to Finch and Shado.  "I suggest we move back a bit. They would probably take it as a retreat. Then we'll rig up some fun adventures for them." 'You two, cover me."

Lucky slowly, discreetly lowered herself below the group by cutting off a bit of power to her jetpack.  She took out a four frag grenades .And two small bottles containing a mix of her own concoction. out of the many ingredients in the fluid jet fuel was present. She had taken a bit from the containers that were used to pump the jetpacks full of juicy fuel.  This would make the perfect explosive.

using an old-fashioned trick she had learned in the scouts when she was a child. She made the deadly weapon silently float away underneath the men. At the right moment she let loose one single shot of her blaster rifle. It hit the right spot on the explosives and BOOM!!

There was a wave of heat that generated a ripple in the air. The pirates suddenly noticed that someone was missing and that three of them were dead. And two more had severe burns, so they could not fight. The next thing Lucky heard was the sound of gunfire coming from her party.

 
-----------------------
LCPL Luckystar/1SQD/2PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/ Tadath/VEAVE

-Paladin-

The drop ship had landed.  Landed thought Alan more like crashed.  He stood up slowly, every inch of his body ached.

"Son of a..." Alan started saying quietly when Finch interrupted him by asking if everyone was OK.  Alan overhead Jakireth saying his ass was sore from the journey.  Alan smiled at that, thinking exactly the same thing.

Exiting the craft, they fired up their jetpacks and headed off.  Shortly after their departure, the ship exploded.  Trouble was up ahead though as Alan spotted eight people ahead of them.  Jakireth shouted to take them out and suddenly all hell broke loose.

Alan watched as Lucky, Shado and Finch moved off to intercept the approaching force.  A large explosion and suddenly the forces of eight were depleted.  Alan counted three dead and noticed two wounded.  The wounded men fell from the sky and plummeted downwards.  They'll never survive a fall from this height thought Alan as he watched them fall to their death, knowing they were too far away to be saved.

"What the hell do they think they're doing" muttered Alan as he suddenly noticed that Lucky, Shado and Finch had become separated and now the enemy were bearing down solely on Shado.

"Kantar take the left, Lion the right, Tanus you're with me, move, move move" shouted Alan as they fired up their jetpacks and bore down on the enemy.  Kantar was the first to strike as he fired a precision shot and downed an enemy.  Lion didn't even use his weapon.  Instead, he roared a defiant wookie roar and slammed into his opponent, grabbing him roughly around the neck and squeezed the very life out of him.  Alan and Tanus were fast approaching the last enemy soldier when he started firing on Shado.  Alan watched in horror as Shado cried out and clutched his calf, becoming unbalanced in the air and started to drop downwards.

"Tanus, get him now, I'll deal with this one personally" said Alan

"Yes sir" replied Tanus as he rocketed downward to grab Shado and pull him to safety.

Alan yelled and fired his jetpack on full blast and flew headlong into the surprised soldier.  They grappled with each other in mid air.  Alan ducked as the man launched a fist.  Moving quickly, Alan slammed a fist into the man's jaw and forced him to the ground.

On the ground, Alan grabbed the soldier roughly, "Now, start talking.  Who are you and how many others are there?" shouted Alan.


-----------------------
ASL/SGT AlanRJ/3SQD/2PLT/1CMP/1RGT/1BAT/Tadath/VEA [ES2]

-Paladin-
Army of the Vast Empire

"Shado!" Lucky shouted in alarm. She zoomed after Tanus whp had caught him in mid-plummet to the ground.  She glided downwards towards them and looked at Shado worriedly.  "I'm sorry I put you through this mate."  "I wasn't thinking right, if I had a clearer head none would've been hurt."

"Don't worry anbout it Lucky" Shado replied with a grimace coming across his face. "Your plan was a good one. You were probably the only one who was able to think that fast. " "Yeah, but then you could've just asked Jakireth if he had a smarter idea."

"Stop feelig bad" Shado replied exasperatedly.  'I liked your idea, and the situation didn't really allow a lot of thinking room."

Lucky mumbled under her breath, but decided to argue no more. One of her squad mates was injured and it was her fault. She was jarred from her thoughts when she heard gunshots being fired and shrill screaming coming from one person only. 

"What the...?"
"Guys, Alan caught one guy and he's questioning him."
"Kantar ahd opened a ComLink to them and was speking to them all like nothing special had happened.  "You all right, son?" He asked Shado. "Yes, sir. I'll be fine, sir". Shado replied.

"I'll carry him a little further away from here. I'll tend to him with the medical supplies I brought from my quarters on this mission. "I always come prepared" sha adressed Shado. "It's my fault you got injured, so I'll fix you. I have some morphine which I also brought to help with the pain."
Shado surrendered himself to her and the both of them , Lucky supporting Shado walked away to a more quiet spot.

 
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LCPL Luckystar/1SQD/2PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/ Tadath/VEAVE

-Paladin-

Tanus watched as Shado fell for what seemed like an eternity. He flew after him with all his jetpack could muster. When he caught him and brought him up, Lucky took him to administer to his wounds. Tanus exhaled with anxiety. "Damnit, almost lost one already. The Chiss must really not want us to have this stuff," Tanus thought to himself. When he turned around, he saw Alan beating the tar out of the Chiss prisoner.

"Where the hell is the entrance to the Ascendancy building!?"

Alan followed up the question with a backhand from his right gauntlet. The Chiss, badly bruised and bleeding, spoke in a barely audible voice.

"It doesn't matter where it is. Even if you got in, you'll only come out in a body bag."

The Chiss started laughing. Tanus was getting annoyed. He walked up the Chiss at around 4 meters away and took out his pistol and shot at the Chiss' finger. It exploded in a ball of blue light, and then there was a cauterized wound where it used to be.

"So, are you going to laugh again, or will you give us the information?"

The Chiss told them everything.

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Tanus got up to the Ascendancy builing entrance with his jetpack and waved his squad foward. Jak and Alan followed close behind. As they landed he settled to get a look at the Chiss defense. Tanus turned to Jak.

"sir, it appears that the Chiss have a sizable security force down there, possibly thirty men. And I can guarentee you that they'll be using charrics."

Jak nodded and opened up a comm throughout the Squad.

"Listen up, folks. It looks like the Chiss might be ready for us, so be  ready for anything. Make sure your rifles are charged."

Tanus heard the whining sound of rifles and pistols being brought to full power. Then Tanus nodded at Jak. Jak gave him a return nod.

"LET'S GO!"



 
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LCPL Tanus Solvona/1SQD/2PLT/1CMP/1RGT/1BAT//VEA/VE
-Paladin-